How to celebrate Valentine’s Day by yourself in Austin

American-Statesman staff

Wednesday

Feb 12, 2020 at 10:01 AM

We get it, couples, we get it. This is your time of year. But the rest of us have to make plans, too.

The romantically entangled among us won‘t have trouble booking their calendars out for Valentine’s Day weekend. For the parties of one, though, we rounded up a few things to do. Sure, bring friends, if you’re into that.

Also, check out our list of places good for dining alone.

Catch a show

Frida Friday ATX presents a Gaylentine‘s Celebration at Symphony Square: Hey there, hot stuff. Yes, you. You deserve something beautiful. Head out to Austin’s monthly people of color-centered marketplace and peruse hand-poured candles, sassy tees, empowering artwork and bold accessories from a curated selection of local artisans. The all-inclusive celebration includes drag performances from Grandma Steven and Kelly Kline, a variety of food pop-ups and tunes from DJ Kickit. You can bring your bae or your besties, but organizers also invite you to "come alone and make community." Regardless of how you roll, don‘t forget to write yourself a self-love message at the event‘s love-note station. Free. 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14. 1111 Red River St. fridafridayatx.org. — Deborah Sengupta Stith

MC Lars at Empire: Ignore the hearts and flowers and embrace your inner geek. A Comic Con regular and Weird Al and Kool Keith collaborator, nerdcore rap heavy MC Lars breaks down everything from "Game of Thrones" to Edgar Allen Poe in his witty rhymes. This is the "Baby Yoda 2020 Campaign Trail" tour, so expect topical references aplenty. And go on with your loner self; we are confident that no one will look at you funny for arriving at this show solo. Schaefer the Darklord opens. $13. 8 p.m. doors Feb. 14. 606 E. Seventh St. empireatx.com. — D.S.S.

Ain‘t Love a Drag: A drag show on Valentine’s Day? This one writes itself. I mean, it really does: "‘Ain't Love A Drag,’ produced by En Route Productions and Austin Motel, is a sultry, sexy, (’70s-style) drag/improv show" that's a love song to the brokenhearted, the hopeful, the cynical and the outrageously optimistic lover in all of us, according to the event description. The show will be performed "around, over, and in the Austin Motel pool." Jaded hearts are welcome. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Out Youth Austin. $30-$250. 8 to 10 p.m. Feb. 14. Austin Motel, 1220 S. Congress Ave. facebook.com/events/1050606168608239. — Eric Webb

Bingo Loco: This one‘s billed as an "Anti Valentines Party." Bingo Loco takes bingo to the next level with lip-sync battles, dance-offs, conga lines and getaway prizes. It also includes everything from ’80s pop to rave music. $26.30. 6:30 p.m. doors, with first game at 8 p.m., Feb. 14. The Rustic Tap, 613 W. Sixth St. bingo-loco.com/austin. — Sonia Garcia

Geeks of Color Expo: No one said singles couldn’t dress up on Valentine‘s Day. Put on your most extravagant cosplay outfit or your favorite gaming T-shirt and head over to the Geeks of Color Expo on Valentine’s Day weekend. The expo is celebrating black creativity and artistry in a three-day event with art, food, gaming and live music. Featured guests include Kiba Walker, voice artist and musician; Roxxy Haze, content creator, cosplayer and comedian; EyeQ, entrepreneur and event coordinator and others. $12.50-$145. Feb. 14-16. Crowne Plaza Austin, 6121 N. Interstate 35. gcxaustin.com. — S.G.

A Ruby Red Valentine’s Day Cabaret: Put on your dancing shoes and flapper dress for this 1920s-themed dinner cabaret, with live music and burlesque in a speakeasy setting. A Ruby Red Valentine’s Day Cabaret welcomes singles and groups, with plant-based cuisine by Ranch Hand. The night features jazz music by Savannah Red and a burlesque show from Goldie Candela. 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14. Native Hostel, 807 E. Fourth St. facebook.com/events/native-hostel/a-ruby-red-valentines-day-cabaret/519629158656518. — S.G.

Private viewing

Seeing a movie by yourself: a classic move. Here are a few special screenings that might pique your solo-night interest. Check theater websites for showtimes and ticket prices.

"The Cremator": Not gonna try to rewrite the theater‘s blurb on this one: "1930s Prague is beset from the outside by the rise of fascism, and from the inside by a deranged cremator who believes himself the Dalai Lama." Meet you there. Feb. 14-15 at AFS Cinema, 6406 N Interstate 35, Suite 3100. austinfilm.org/afs-cinema.

"Emma": Prepare for this year‘s new film adaptation of the Jane Austen novel by laughing at the 1996 Gwyneth Paltrow version, along with the folks of Master Pancake. If ever there was a time to make fun of love ... Feb. 15 at Alamo Ritz, 320 E. Sixth St. drafthouse.com.

"It Follows": Quite honestly one of the best horror movies of the past 25 years. David Robert Mitchell’s quitely chilling metaphor for the terrors of teenage sexuality will haunt you all the way into next week. Feb. 16 at Alamo Ritz, 320 E. Sixth St. drafthouse.com.

"Varda By Agnès": The last feature film from legendary French director Agnès Varda is exactly what is sounds like: a great artist contemplating her life. Feb. 14-17 and 19 at AFS Cinema, 6406 N Interstate 35, Suite 3100. austinfilm.org/afs-cinema.